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The Kogi State government has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of four members of the same family in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the State, following the consumption of a local delicacy identified as Amala.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, made this known on Saturday in a statement, saying the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

‘The Chief Servant is deeply concerned by this tragic incident and has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning or food contamination.

‘The investigation must establish the facts and determine whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated or whether any other medical or environmental factor contributed to the deaths. Relevant samples and available evidence should be properly examined in accordance with established public health procedures,’ Fanwo quoted the Chief Servant as directing.

Fanwo said the State government was also concerned by reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same food, adding that the development would form part of the investigation.

He said the Chief Servant had directed the Ministry of Health to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation was thorough and that appropriate public health measures were taken based on its findings.

‘The Government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and the facts are established by the relevant authorities,’ the Commissioner said.

Fanwo said the Chief Servant commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the painful incident, praying that God would grant the family the strength and comfort to bear the loss, as he assured the people of Kogi State that the Government would make further information available as soon as verified facts emerge from the investigation.

Three Crowns Milk, one of Nigeria’s dairy brands from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC celebrated thousands of mothers at the 2026 August Meeting in Owerri, Imo State, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting women’s well-being and promoting healthier living.

Recognised as one of the largest and most significant cultural gatherings in South-Eastern Nigeria, the August Meeting brings together women from different communities and across the world for a unique homecoming focused on community development, engagement, networking, empowerment, and social interaction.

This year’s event once again provided a platform for women to connect, celebrate shared values, and strengthen community bonds.

Living up to its promise of being the brand that truly cares for mums, Three Crowns Milk delivered an engaging and memorable experience through interactive brand activities, dairy category education, exciting games, product sampling, and rewarding moments that celebrated the invaluable contributions of mothers to their families and communities.

High point of the celebration was the empowerment initiative by Three Crowns Milk where women in attendance were empowered with knowledge across Health, Finance and Agriculture whilst 30 under-served women were gifted equipment to kick of their businesses.

The activation reinforced the brand’s commitment to supporting mums and encouraging healthier lifestyles while creating meaningful connections with women.

Held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Umuorii Field beside Umuorii Women Hall, St. Michael Catholic Church, Umuorii, Owerri, the event welcomed women from ten communities, namely Umualum, Umuorii, Umuoba, Okwu, Owalla, Owaelu, Umunahu, Orji, Amakohia, and Akwakuma.

The celebration was graced by Chioma Uzodimma, the First Lady of Imo State, Chief Barrister ably represented by Mrs Nduka Ijeoma, wife of the Managing Director Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority, whose presence underscored the importance of supporting women and strengthening communities. Guests were also entertained by celebrated actress and influencer Ebelle Okaro, whose appearance added excitement and inspiration to the event.

Speaking at the event, Maureen Ifada, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, said: ‘At FrieslandCampina WAMCO, we believe that when women thrive, families and communities flourish. Through Three Crowns Milk, we remain committed to creating platforms that celebrate, support, and empower mothers because they are the foundation of healthier families and stronger societies. The August Meeting provides another meaningful opportunity to connect with women where culture, community, and wellness intersect, and we are proud to share this important moment with the people of Imo State.’

Also speaking on the success of the activation, Chioma Otisi-Igwe, Marketing Manager, Three Crowns Milk, said: ‘At Three Crowns Milk, we believe supporting mothers go beyond providing good nutrition, it means creating opportunities that empower them to thrive.

‘Through the August Meeting, we are proud to celebrate women, promote healthier living, and equip them with practical tools to improve their well-being, strengthen their economic resilience, and better care for themselves and their families.’

Three Crowns Milk continues to champion initiatives that promote women’s wellness, healthy lifestyles, and stronger communities across Nigeria. By participating in culturally significant moments such as the August Meeting, the brand continues to deepen its connection with mothers while reinforcing its purpose of nourishing healthier generations.

For over 35 years, Three Crowns has been nourishing Nigerian families with essential vitamins and nutrients. As the first and only milk brand in Nigeria to show care for mothers, Three Crowns has consistently promoted healthy eating habits and wellness, helping mothers provide proper nutrition for their families.

Passport rankings are changing as countries secure visa agreements, strengthen diplomatic ties and expand access to international destinations.

For years, changes in passport rankings were often gradual, with countries moving only a few places over several years. Recent changes show that diplomatic agreements and regional cooperation can alter travel access within a shorter period.

The gap between the world’s strongest and weakest passports has also widened to 168 destinations in the 2026 index, with Singapore at the top and Afghanistan at the bottom. Against this divide, countries that have gained several places stand out for the progress made in expanding travel access.

The following nine countries recorded changes in passport access during 2025 and 2026, based on the Henley Passport Index, the Arton Capital Passport Index and reporting tracking changes in visa access.

1. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has recorded the largest long-term increase in passport access in the Henley Passport Index.

Since 2006, the UAE has added 149 visa-free destinations and moved 57 places to fifth position. Some index data puts the increase at 153 destinations over the same period.

The UAE now provides visa-free access to 188 destinations. Its progress has been linked to diplomatic agreements, international partnerships and economic engagement.

2. Kosovo

Kosovo’s progress has been linked mainly to changes in political relations.

The country has moved 35 places in the rankings since 2016. Its passport remains below the global average, but the introduction of greater European mobility access marked a change after years of political restrictions.

The shift shows how political recognition and agreements can affect passport access even when the underlying conditions for mobility have existed for some time.

3. India

India has recorded steady progress in passport access.

It reached 80th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, tied with Algeria, with access to 55 destinations. The country moved from 85th place the previous year.

The change has been linked to continued diplomatic engagement and visa liberalisation. Separate tracking during 2026 placed India around the mid-70s, with access to 56 destinations, indicating that its mobility position has continued to change.

4. Oman

Oman’s passport has also moved up in recent rankings.

In May 2026, Oman reached 55th position in the Henley Passport Index, compared with 57th in January. Omani citizens could travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 84 destinations.

New agreements with China and Russia contributed to the increase. China’s visa exemption for citizens of Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council states expanded access, while Oman’s mutual visa exemption agreement with Russia took effect in July 2025.

5. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s passport gains have come alongside the country’s Vision 2030 programme.

The country has expanded travel access while recording changes in areas including investment, income and gender indicators. A visa exemption agreement with China also increased access for Saudi citizens.

By 2026, regional reporting placed Saudi Arabia’s passport access at about 87 to 88 destinations without a prior visa.

6. Bahrain

Bahrain has also benefited from changes in passport access and wider economic indicators.

The country recorded an increase in gross national income per person, alongside changes in investment and gender indicators. Its mobility score moved less than some other measures.

Bahrain was also included in China’s visa exemption arrangements covering Gulf states, giving its citizens access to China without the usual visa process.

7. Hong Kong

Hong Kong moved 12 places to 31st in the rankings.

Mobility accounted for much of the increase, while changes in gender, investment and freedom indicators also contributed. The movement reflects a combination of visa waiver arrangements and changes across other measures rather than one agreement.

8. Philippines

The Philippines recorded a rise in accessible destinations during the period.

The number of destinations available without a prior visa increased from 64 to about 78. Philippine passport holders now have visa-free access to 36 countries and territories, with visa-on-arrival or eTA options covering a further 40 to 42 destinations.

The country’s foreign ministry has continued to pursue reciprocal visa arrangements, including discussions linked to possible Schengen access.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan remains near the bottom of global passport rankings but has recorded a change in direction.

Its passport ranked 97th in the February 2026 Henley Passport Index, compared with 98th in January and 103rd the previous year.

Pakistani citizens can access 32 destinations through visa-free entry, visa on arrival or eTA arrangements. The change includes the reinstatement of The Gambia, adding to the country’s travel options.

Former two-time world champion boxer Zolani Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, at the age of 38.

Tete, known as ‘Last Born’, was reportedly ambushed on Friday while waiting for the gate of his residence to open. South African police said two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire.

A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with Tete was also shot multiple times and taken to hospital.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed Tete’s death and said police had launched an investigation. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

‘I will not speculate about who did this or why,’ McKenzie said.

He later paid tribute to the boxer, saying: ‘South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.’

The suspects fled the scene following the shooting, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Tete’s decorated boxing career

Tete was one of South Africa’s most accomplished boxers, winning world titles at both junior-bantamweight and bantamweight.

He captured the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014 after defeating Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in Kobe before winning the WBO bantamweight crown in 2017.

He became a global boxing figure later that year after producing one of the fastest knockouts in world championship history.

Tete stopped fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast in November 2017 while defending his WBO bantamweight title. The knockout earned him a Guinness World Record for the fastest stoppage in a world title fight.

He also built a following among British boxing fans, defeating Liverpool’s Paul Butler at the Echo Arena in 2015 before returning to the venue to stop Victor Ruiz the following year.

Tete finished his professional career with 29 victories, including 22 knockouts, four defeats and one no-contest.

Planned boxing comeback

Tete’s death came shortly after the conclusion of a four-year ban imposed following a positive test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol after his 2022 bout with Britain’s Jason Cunningham.

His victory over Cunningham in London was subsequently changed to a no-contest, while the UK Anti-Doping Agency handed him a four-year suspension.

The ban ended on July 29, 2026, and Tete had reportedly been preparing for a return to professional boxing.

His manager, Mla Tengimfene, confirmed that the former champion had been training for a comeback before his death.

Tete’s passing has brought to an abrupt end the planned return of a boxer who became a two-time world champion and one of the most successful fighters produced by South Africa.

Egbe, like most rural communities in Nigeria, has not made much progress in improving livelihoods, rural infrastructure or the quality of life of rural dwellers since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. You are twice as likely to be poor if you live in rural Nigeria as you are if you live in urban Nigeria.

And yet, Nigeria’s rural areas are a lush paradise, where crops, livestock, vegetables and fruits are produced in abundance to feed the cities.

As a young child in the early 1970s, my parents drove two or three times a year from Kainji, New Bussa-currently in Niger State-where I was born and lived until I went to high school in Egbe, to Ibadan, Oyo State, to shop for school supplies and Christmas and to visit friends and relatives.

There was a town called Fiditi between Oyo and Ibadan that was known for its abundance of fruits. We always stopped there to buy fruits and foodstuffs for acquaintances in Ibadan and for ourselves on our way home. The same could be said of many towns along the Ilorin-Ibadan highway.

So why are communities that produce abundant food languishing in excruciating poverty despite the strong and growing markets of a populous and rapidly growing country?

The answer is all around us across the entire continent.

African agriculture suffers from low productivity-often only about one-third of the global average for many crops-and is disconnected from processing hubs and packing houses because of weak value-added chains. Farmers face a lack of reliable energy, digital connectivity, rural roads and storage infrastructure. They depend heavily on imported seeds and blended fertiliser and have limited access to the right forms of credit to purchase increasingly expensive inputs. Farmer extension services remain weak, and investment in value addition is inadequate.

The case of farm inputs is particularly troubling. Africa produces about 30 million tonnes of the nutrients needed by crops-nitrogen, primarily as urea; phosphate; and some potash-but imports about 12 million tonnes of blended fertiliser such as NPK and DAP, representing roughly 80 percent of the continent’s needs. This exposes African farmers to every imaginable shock suffered by global supply chains, from COVID-19 to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran crisis and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Fertiliser prices have tripled for farmers, especially following changes in exchange rates, while crop prices have fallen sharply in some markets over the past two years, partly because of food imports that are not tied to local production.

Given such conditions, agriculture cannot function as a viable business. It becomes a way of life, with grinding poverty as the outcome.

The cotton paradox

Let me use a single example of the impossible odds that farmers in rural Nigeria face. I will use cotton in West Africa, a value chain for which the region and Nigeria are well known.

West Africa has an estimated 4,000 garment industries and SMEs making clothes, but just 51 ginning and spinning mills. Compare that with Bangladesh-approximately 4,000 garment industries but 250 ginning and spinning mills.

The paucity of ginning, spinning and weaving capacity means that the region’s production of about 1.1 million tonnes of raw cotton lint is exported 90 per cent as raw lint, at a total value of about $1 billion.

The continent, in turn, imports more than 60,000 tonnes of fabric valued at $2 billion and, in the process, exports half a million jobs.

But the region can potentially earn $5 billion if the major value chain gap can be closed: converting lint into yarn and then fabric through a regional value chain, while creating approximately 500,000 jobs.

That is the difference between producing a commodity and building an industry.

Back to Egbe: Turning agriculture into businesses and jobs

Going back to Egbe, how can agriculture create rural businesses and jobs that turn rural communities from places people leave into places where people can build prosperous lives?

We can borrow a leaf from the champions who have transformed communities elsewhere.

We can choose to invest not merely in the problems we see today but also in the institutions, infrastructure and economic opportunities that will change the trajectory of rural communities for generations to come.

But how do we do this?

First, the economic opportunities.

Egbe has five major opportunities-there are many more-for wealth creation based on its natural resources and the experiences of its people.

1. Vegetable and fish production

Vegetables and fish, especially catfish and tilapia, can be produced at the approximately 2,000-hectare Omi/Kampe irrigation scheme and in other inland valleys.

The opportunity extends beyond production. With the right investment, Egbe can develop an integrated value chain encompassing fish production, vegetable farming, irrigation, cold storage, transportation, packaging and market distribution.

2. Rice production

Rice production is another major opportunity at the 2,000-hectare Omi/Kampe irrigation scheme and other inland valleys.

There is already a 36,000-tonne rice mill at Ejiba that is underutilised.

The challenge, therefore, is not simply to produce rice. It is to organise production at sufficient scale and reliability to support processing capacity and connect farmers to profitable markets.

3. Tree-crop farming and sustainable agroforestry

Tree-crop farming, especially cashew, oil palm, cocoa and timber, offers another significant opportunity.

The indiscriminate logging of rosewood, the red-coloured timber, from the area and its shipment in container loads to China represents not only environmental deforestation but also a lost economic opportunity.

Egbe could instead develop a sustainable agroforestry industry combining responsible timber production, reforestation and commercial tree crops.

The objective should be to create wealth from the forest without destroying the resource on which future generations will depend.

4. Crop-Livestock Farming

Crop-livestock farming offers another opportunity: producing cassava, maize and soybean to support the fattening of goats, sheep and poultry for local consumption and for markets in surrounding cities and states.

This integrated approach can improve productivity while creating multiple income streams for farmers.

Crop residues can support livestock, while livestock manure can contribute to soil fertility. Rather than treating crop and livestock production as separate activities, farmers can build an interconnected agricultural system.

5. Agro-industrialisation

The fifth and perhaps most transformative opportunity is agro-industrialisation.

Vertical integration is at the heart of strong agricultural value chains. Agro-industry could begin with relatively simple infrastructure: packing houses for vegetables, drying kilns and cold-chain facilities for fish, sawmills for wood, oil mills for palm fruit, rice processing and storage facilities, and feed mills for livestock and poultry.

Given Nigeria’s dire need for energy and skilled employment, agro-processing is best clustered in an agro-industrial park within or near the town.

This concept had been tried before, not too far from Egbe, under Nigeria’s erstwhile minister of agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, but was discontinued under subsequent administrations.

The lesson is that good ideas need institutions capable of surviving changes in government.

From opportunity to reality

So how do we translate these opportunities into reality?

It requires capacity for efficient production-from modern food production technologies to mechanisation and agricultural extension. It requires a clearer overview of existing and planned investments in agro-processing and coordinated market information to help buyers and partners assess scale, supply reliability and value-chain governance.

There is also a dire need to mobilise longer-term, lower-cost capital and de-risking instruments for private-sector investors.

Technical-assistance grants are equally important to develop bankable projects and ensure access to credit for all actors across the value chains.

And then there is the elephant in the room: security.

The security of farms, processing plants and the lives of their owners and workers is fundamental in the face of banditry, kidnapping and criminality in the area.

It is a classic chicken-and-egg situation: no viable farms or businesses exist, so there is little investment in providing security. Yet without security, investors will not come.

I farmed cassava without problems for nearly a decade at Apaa, some 110 kilometres from Egbe toward Lokoja, and I had policemen and armed local vigilantes as my security solution.

There is a broader historical lesson here. In the western United States in the late 1800s, improvements in security, property protection, transportation and rural infrastructure helped create the conditions in which commercial agriculture could take root.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ruled out leading President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, saying he would not risk his political base in Rivers State for a role that could cost him the state.

Wike, speaking on Saturday after inspecting the Apo-Karshi and Kubwa-Bwari road projects in Abuja, said his decision was also informed by the fact that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his continued political alignment with the Tinubu administration.

The minister was responding to questions on whether he would have preferred to serve as Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, a position the Presidency announced on Friday had been given to former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

Wike said his experience of previous presidential campaigns showed that heading a national campaign can carry significant political risks, particularly for politicians trying to retain control of their home states.

He recalled previous campaign directors-general who, after leading presidential campaigns, eventually lost their states to opposition parties.

‘Why would I take that risk?’ Wike asked, stressing the importance of protecting his political base in Rivers State as the 2027 elections approach.

The former Rivers State governor’s comments underscore the political calculations confronting senior politicians ahead of the next general election, particularly as alliances across Nigeria’s major political parties continue to shift.

Although Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has maintained a close working relationship with the Tinubu administration since the 2023 presidential election. His relationship with the ruling APC has repeatedly triggered criticism within the PDP, where some members have accused him of undermining the opposition party.

Wike, however, has consistently defended his political choices, arguing that his priority is governance and the interests of his supporters.

The appointment of Yari as campaign DG marks an important step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the ruling party expected to begin broader mobilisation and campaign structures across the country.

For Wike, however, the decision not to take a formal role in Tinubu’s campaign appears to reflect a calculation that protecting his political influence in Rivers State is more important than assuming a high-profile national campaign position.

As Wealthgate Africa marks its third anniversary, the wealth building community is reaffirming one of the principles it consistently teaches its members about property investment: location matters.

For Wealthgate Africa, wealth creation goes beyond simply acquiring an asset. It involves understanding the factors that influence an investment, conducting proper research and making decisions with a long-term perspective.

Through its wealth education activities and exposure to asset ownership opportunities, Wealthgate Africa has continued to help members understand how factors such as location, accessibility, infrastructure, economic activity and surrounding development can influence property decisions.

These principles have also informed the property opportunities made available through MOC Estates, the real estate arm of Mayowa Owolabi Company (MOC), across locations including Obafemi Owode, Itori, Imota, Ilishan and Epe.

According to Founder of Wealthgate Africa, Dr Mayowa Owolabi, investors should look beyond the current price of a property when evaluating an opportunity.

‘Location is one of the first things we consider when evaluating a project. We want to understand what is happening around the area today and what could influence its development tomorrow,’ the Founder said.

He explained that factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, existing development, economic activity and the potential direction of growth are considered when evaluating property locations.

For Wealthgate Africa, understanding these factors is also an important part of investor education. The community encourages prospective investors to ask questions, conduct research and understand the opportunity before committing their funds.

As part of this approach, prospective investors are taken to project sites where they can experience the locations firsthand.

During site inspections, participants have the opportunity to examine access roads, observe surrounding developments, assess the environment, ask questions and engage directly with the team.

The community considers this process important because investment decisions should be based on more than promotional materials or assumptions about future returns.

Over the past three years, Wealthgate Africa has continued to educate its community on factors that can influence asset ownership and investment decisions, including location, infrastructure, accessibility, development patterns, timing and long-term potential.

Its wealth-building activities have also extended beyond property into agriculture, with opportunities such as Palm Oil Plantation and Cashew Plantation projects in Ogbomoso forming part of its broader focus on asset ownership across different sectors.

As part of its third-anniversary campaign, Wealth Gate Africa is giving its audience a closer look at the thinking behind its property opportunities. The campaign will highlight existing projects, explore the factors considered when evaluating locations and introduce its latest project.

The anniversary campaign will also feature a special land ownership offer for Radiant Court, Ilishan, providing prospective investors with an opportunity to take a deliberate step towards asset ownership.

For Wealthgate Africa, the third anniversary represents more than a celebration of three years. It is also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of research, education and informed decision-making in the wealth-building journey.

The community continues to encourage prospective investors to ask questions, verify information, understand the terms of an investment and consider how an asset fits into their broader financial goals before committing funds.

Three years into its journey, Wealth Gate Africa remains focused on helping people become more intentional about wealth creation and asset ownership.

As it enters its fourth year, the community plans to continue expanding its wealth education efforts and exposing its members to opportunities that can support long-term wealth creation.

For Wealthgate Africa, the principle remains simple: building wealth requires more than buying an asset. It requires understanding what you are buying, why you are buying it and how it fits into your long-term wealth strategy.

Long before Kila Ibukun established House of Chaviva as a growing hub for importation, souvenirs, household goods, and corporate branding, her entrepreneurial foundation was being quietly laid along the bustling trade corridors of Lagos Island.

Accompanying her mother through Eko Market and Ebute Ero as a young girl, Ibukun absorbed the rhythm of commerce-observing product variety, buyer-seller negotiations, and the flow of daily transactions. Years later, that early exposure would come full circle as she opened her physical store at 68B Pepsi Line in the very same Ebute Ero neighbourhood.

In this exclusive interview, the Founder and CEO of House of Chaviva reflects on her journey from undergraduate side-hustles to corporate retail roles at House of Tara and Black Up, navigating personal loss, and building a wholesale and dropshipping community that empowers emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs to start businesses with minimal capital.

You mentioned that your interest in business started from accompanying your mum to Eko Market, particularly Ebute Ero, where you would sometimes pass through different parts of the market and make purchases for the home. How did those early experiences shape your interest in buying, selling, and entrepreneurship?

I think being exposed to the market at that young age made me curious about how buying and selling worked. We weren’t there because my mum was a trader; sometimes, we were simply passing through Ebute Ero to other parts of the market or buying things for the home. But, being in that environment exposed me to the energy of the market, the different products, the way sellers interacted with people, and how transactions happened.

I think those experiences stayed somewhere in my subconscious. By the time I got to university and started looking for ways to make money, business didn’t feel completely foreign to me. I had already been exposed to that environment from a young age.

Looking back, I think that early exposure planted the seed. I didn’t know it at the time, but years later, I would find myself building a business and eventually having my own physical store around that same Ebute Ero environment.

That last part is particularly powerful because it connects your childhood experience to your current store at 68B Pepsi Line, Ebute Ero, Lagos Island without creating a story that isn’t accurate.

During your university days, you moved quickly from running errands to selling eggs and employing people for chin-chin production. How did you know at that young age that you could delegate and lead others?

I honestly don’t think I consciously thought, ‘I am going to become a leader.’ I simply saw an opportunity and realised that I couldn’t do everything myself.

When I started making chin-chin, I knew there was cutting, frying, packaging, and other things to be done. So, I got people to help me with the parts they could handle while I coordinated everything.

Looking back now, I realise that entrepreneurship taught me leadership before I even knew I was learning it. I learnt that you don’t necessarily have to be the person doing everything; you have to know what needs to be done, find the right people, and make sure everyone is moving towards the same goal.

Sourcing products from the Island after classes at Ikeja was a demanding commute. How did you maintain that level of consistency and drive when you were tired or running late?

Consistency. That is one word I would use.

Once someone had trusted me with their money and placed an order, I saw it as my responsibility to deliver. I couldn’t tell them, ‘I’m tired,’ because I had promised to get it.

Sometimes, I would leave Ikeja around 3:30 p.m., head to the island, source the products, and get home very late. But I kept doing it because I knew what I was building. I wasn’t looking at the inconvenience of that particular day; I was looking at where that small hustle could take me.

That experience really shaped me because I learnt that sometimes the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who gives up is simply the ability to remain consistent when things are inconvenient.

You paid what you had to start at House of Tara despite not having full tuition. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs waiting for ‘perfect conditions’ or full funding before they start?

I would tell them: start with what you have, but start intelligently.

I didn’t have all the money for the course I wanted at House of Tara, but I didn’t allow that to stop me. I paid what I could afford and started. Then, while learning, I found another way to make money by helping other students source their makeup products.

I believe waiting until everything is perfect can sometimes become an excuse for not starting. You don’t necessarily need everything figured out before you begin. Start with what you have, learn along the way, reinvest, and grow.

But I would also add that starting small doesn’t mean starting carelessly. You have to understand the numbers, know your market, and be willing to learn.

How did working with brands like Black Up and tutoring at House of Tara shape your understanding of customer service and corporate structure?

Working with brands like Black Up and especially House of Tara under Tara Fela-Durotoye (TFD) shaped my understanding of professionalism, customer service, and working within a structured organisation.

There’s no way you would work at House of Tara under Tara Fela-Durotoye and not learn customer ethics and work professionalism. The environment exposed me to how to relate with customers, communicate properly, maintain standards, work as part of a team, and represent a brand professionally.

It also taught me that having a good product is not enough. How you treat the customer, how you present yourself, and how consistently you deliver the brand experience matter just as much.

Those lessons have stayed with me and influenced how I run House of Chaviva today. I want customers to experience professionalism, good service, and reliability whenever they interact with my brand.

Losing your mum was a pivotal and painful turning point. How did entrepreneurship serve as both an anchor and a vehicle for financial independence during that difficult season?

Losing my mum was one of the most difficult experiences of my life because she was not just my mother; she was also someone whose presence gave me a sense of security.

After her passing, I had to become much more intentional about creating financial independence for myself. Entrepreneurship became an anchor because it gave me something to focus on and something I could build.

It also gave me a sense of purpose. Even during difficult periods, I could wake up and say, ‘There is something I need to do today. There is a client to attend to. There is a product to source. There is something I am building.’

So, in many ways, business became both my source of income and a vehicle through which I rebuilt myself.

In 2021, you left Lagos and returned at a time when many peers were moving abroad (‘japa-ing’) or seeking corporate jobs. What gave you the conviction to stay the course with business instead of taking a conventional career path?

My flair and passion for business have also played a huge role in helping me keep going. Business is something I genuinely enjoy, and that passion has given me the resilience to keep managing and growing it through different seasons of my life.

You started House of Chaviva focusing on importation, souvenirs, and household goods. How did you identify souvenirs and household items as your next big market?

I had already been involved in selling different products over the years, so I understood that people are constantly looking for useful and affordable products. I also noticed the consistent demand for souvenirs for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, religious programmes, and other occasions. Household products also have a broad market because they are practical things people use every day.

So I decided to combine my experience in sourcing with products that had everyday demand, and that eventually evolved into House of Chaviva as it is today,an importation, wholesale and retail business focused on souvenirs, household items and branding.

Your dropshipping and wholesale community enables others to start businesses with low capital. Why was building an ecosystem for other entrepreneurs so important to you, rather than just focusing on direct sales; and what is the single biggest misconception people have about starting a business in Nigeria?

I created the wholesale and dropshipping community because I understand what it means to start with little. I wanted to create an avenue where people can access products at affordable prices, resell them, and make an income without needing huge capital or importing directly. For me, entrepreneurship is not just about what I can build for myself; it is also about creating opportunities for others.

One of the biggest misconceptions about starting a business in Nigeria is that you need a lot of money before you can begin. My own journey has taught me otherwise. I started with very little, but I had the willingness to identify opportunities, solve problems, learn, and remain consistent. Capital is important for growth, but it is not the only thing you need to start.

What is next for House of Chaviva over the next three to five years?

Over the next three to five years, I see House of Chaviva becoming a stronger importation, distribution, and business support platform. I want to expand our product range, strengthen our wholesale and dropshipping network, and create even more opportunities for people to start and grow businesses. Ultimately, I want House of Chaviva to be known not just for the products we sell but for trust, quality, accessibility and the opportunities we create for others.

Zacuten Technologies Limited says more than $4 million remains outstanding from a $13.07 million currency transaction involving Plaude Technologies Limited, as the company seeks a full accounting of the deal and a clear timetable for payment.

The dispute centres on a transaction valued at $13,072,977.77 that was entered into in March 2026.

Zacuten says about $8.95 million was transferred but that the remaining balance of roughly $4.1 million to $4.2 million has not been received.

Ojinaka says it has been unable to reach Plaude, adding that Zacuten has sought clarification, supporting documentation and a payment timeline, but its efforts to engage Plaude have so far not produced a resolution.

The company is now seeking documentary evidence establishing the status of the funds, independent verification of amounts transferred and a firm, verifiable plan for settling the outstanding balance.

‘This is not a media dispute. Zacuten entered into a transaction worth more than $13 million. Millions of dollars remain outstanding. We have asked for answers, documentation and a timeline for payment,’ Zacuten CEO Godsreal Ojinaka told BusinessDay.

The dispute has persisted for months, with Zacuten saying explanations relating to banking restrictions and payment difficulties have not resolved its central concern: the balance it says remains unpaid.

Plaude has acknowledged that the transaction was not fully settled but says approximately $8.95 million was transferred, representing about 68 percent of the agreed value. The company has attributed the remaining settlement difficulties to banking disruptions, enhanced due diligence reviews, payment-corridor restrictions and account closures.

Zacuten says those explanations do not change the amount it says remains outstanding.

‘A delay is not payment. An explanation is not payment. A public statement is not payment,’ Ojinaka said.

Zacuten seeks answers on $4m balance

According to Zacuten, the commercial issue is straightforward, a transaction was agreed, part of the agreed amount was transferred and a substantial balance remains unresolved.

The company wants the parties to establish precisely how much was transferred, where the outstanding funds are, what prevented completion of the transaction and when the remaining amount will be paid.

Zacuten says it is particularly interested in independently verifiable documentation rather than assurances about the availability or movement of funds.

The company is seeking a complete reconciliation of the transaction and supporting records relating to the payment process.

It says the documentation should allow the parties to establish the precise amount outstanding and the steps required to conclude the transaction.

Why Zacuten is seeking wider scrutiny

Zacuten says its concerns have increased because of other publicly documented disputes and regulatory developments involving Plaude that it believes warrant examination alongside its own experience.

The company has specifically pointed to a May 2026 announcement by the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit concerning an investigation involving Plaude Technologies Limited, Omberra Commodities Limited and individuals associated with the companies.

According to the SFU’s public announcement, the investigation involved allegations relating to approximately N8.585 billion. The police said a Federal High Court had granted an interim forfeiture order over specified accounts and assets pending the conclusion of its investigation.

The allegations in that investigation remain subject to the relevant legal and judicial processes.

Zacuten is not presenting the SFU matter as proof of what happened in its own transaction. Rather, it says the existence of the investigation makes it more important to establish whether the financial and operational capacity represented to Zacuten at the time of its transaction was sufficient to support an obligation of that size.

‘Our transaction was entered into on the understanding that the counterparty had the capacity to perform. For us, the relevant question is whether that capacity existed and what happened to the balance that remains outstanding,’ Ojinaka said.

Zacuten says it is also reviewing the documentation surrounding the transaction, including payment records and other financial documents exchanged during the settlement process.

The company says independent verification is particularly important where transactions involve several jurisdictions, currency conversions, offshore accounts and multiple financial institutions.

It is therefore calling for verification of the source and availability of funds, banking arrangements, payment instruments and documentation supporting material representations made during negotiations.

‘Our experience demonstrates why businesses cannot rely solely on representations when substantial sums are involved. Financial capacity must be independently verified. Payment instruments must be independently verified. The ability to perform must be independently verified,’ Ojinaka added.

Zacuten says the lesson extends beyond its own dispute because large cross-border transactions can leave counterparties exposed when settlement depends on multiple financial institutions and payment corridors.

Other claims remain unverified

Zacuten also says it has received information about other businesses that it believes may have experienced unresolved payment issues involving Plaude or individuals associated with the company.

However, the company says some of those parties have not authorised public disclosure of their identities or transaction details.

Zacuten therefore says it will not identify those businesses or publicly characterise their experiences until the information has been sufficiently documented and the affected parties have authorised disclosure.

The company says it is continuing to verify the information. That distinction is important because the existence and value of any additional claims have not been independently established.

Zacuten says focus should remain on the money. The dispute has increasingly spilled into arguments over media reports and the competing accounts of the transaction.

Zacuten says that should not obscure the underlying commercial question.

‘Whether Plaude agrees with media reporting is a separate matter. The media did not create the transaction. The money was either paid or it was not,’ Ojinaka posited.

Zacuten says it is not asking the public to determine the dispute but wants the financial records and relevant documentation to establish what happened.

The company says it remains willing to pursue appropriate commercial and legal channels to recover the outstanding amount.

Plaude’s response

Plaude disputes any suggestion that the unsettled balance, by itself, establishes fraud or an intention not to pay.

The company says it transferred $8,949,815.38 in connection with the transaction and attributes the remaining settlement difficulties to banking and payment disruptions.

Plaude also says it has processed more than $1 billion in payouts since its establishment in 2023 and operates through regulated entities and licensed arrangements in several jurisdictions.

Those claims form part of Plaude’s response to the dispute.

The central issue, however, remains unresolved: Zacuten says it is still owed more than $4 million from the $13.07 million transaction. ‘The obligation remains unresolved,’ Ojinaka said.

Zacuten says it will continue pursuing the matter through the appropriate commercial and legal channels while seeking documentary evidence to establish the final position of the transaction.

Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have adopted contrasting strategies in the early days of the 2027 presidential campaign, setting the tone for a contest expected to revolve around the economy, insecurity and governance.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on public campaigns on Wednesday, August 19, opening the 150-day campaign window ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu’s campaign has so far combined his responsibilities as incumbent president with efforts to project his administration’s record.

On the first day, he presided over a Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, where decisions were taken on the economy, education and infrastructure. His campaign team also deployed mascots carrying banners promoting his re-election in strategic locations across Abuja, with messages highlighting a stronger naira and a more stable economy.

The approach allows Tinubu to campaign largely on his government’s record, but it also exposes him to scrutiny over the economic hardship associated with his reforms.

Atiku has chosen a more confrontational opening.

The ADC presidential candidate used a Hausa-language interview and a Facebook Live session to attack the removal of petrol subsidy, promising to restore it if elected.

‘I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money?’ Atiku asked.

His submission came as the federal government said subsidy removal and naira liberalisation generated N15.8 trillion in savings between June 2023 and December 2025.

The figures have therefore produced an immediate campaign battle over the meaning and benefits of the reforms. While the Tinubu administration presents them as necessary steps towards economic stability, Atiku is seeking to turn their impact on household incomes into a case for political change.

Obi has taken a different route.

The NDC presidential candidate commenced his campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State, urging voters to assess candidates by their records, competence and ability to deliver measurable improvements.

He asked whether Nigerians are better off, whether they can afford food, education and healthcare, whether businesses can create jobs and whether farmers can work safely.

‘Reform is not the goal, better lives are,’ Obi said. He promised to pursue economic growth, improve security and move Nigeria from consumption to production.

The opening days have consequently revealed three distinct campaign narratives. Tinubu is defending the direction of his reforms; Atiku is challenging that direction, particularly on subsidy; while Obi is attempting to make competence, accountability and results the central tests of the election.

Meanwhile, 16 other presidential candidates for the 2027 poll are yet to commence campaigns of any form.

Analysts say as campaigns spread across the country, the contest will move beyond opening messages to the harder question of whether the candidates can convince voters that their competing prescriptions can deliver a better Nigeria.